20 June 2025 – Highlands Park Football Club is at the centre of a major controversy following confirmation that the team is at risk of losing 57 points due to fielding a player with fraudulent documents.
The player in question, Franklin Ogbonna, reportedly participated in 34 matches this season while using fake study and work visas. An investigation by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the visa numbers provided were invalid and never issued through official channels.
This serious breach of league rules could have devastating consequences. Highlands Park currently sits on 83 points, having finished top of the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League. However, if the 57-point deduction is applied, the club’s total would fall to 26 points, dropping them well out of playoff contention and potentially into the relegation zone.
The club lost its appeal earlier this month, and sources suggest that the final deduction will be enforced if opposing teams lodge formal complaints regarding matches in which Ogbonna featured.
This development could cost Highlands Park:
- Their league title
- A place in the SAFA National Playoffs
- Their current standing in the division
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is expected to issue an official decision in the coming days.
More details will follow as this story develops.
